The Strathpuffer 24

---

The Sun (and Moon) Shines on the Strathpuffer 24!

17.01.2006

The first Strathpuffer 24, a 24 hour race for solo riders and teams of 2 or 4 was held on 14 -15th January 2006 at Torrachilty forest, Contin near Strathpeffer. The organisers think is was the world’s first 24 hour mountain bike race held in winter conditions, but competitors were not put off.

Gloriously bright weather greeted 281 intrepid riders in 101 teams gathered from all over the UK. 29 were soloist, 36 were in pairs and 216 in fours. As morning broke over a tented village in the forest and music pumped out of the PA, it looked more like Glastonbury than a sporting event.

The sun shone out of a clear blue sky as the race started at 10 am ‘Le Mans’ style with the riders racing 600m on foot before picking up their bikes and heading up the long climb on the first 11Km lap through the forest. Ross Creber, up and coming star of cycling in Scotland, was first back in an astonishing time of 34:12. Thereafter, they came in thick and fast – teams with frantic changeovers and soloists at a more measured pace.

So it went all day with the action fast and furious. Reports from competitors were positive about the course but this being Scotland in winter, mud was always in the equation and only the fittest and accomplished could hope to ride the whole way. Most settled for inevitable push and carry through sections of ankle deep mire. However, all were rewarded with a rocky, rooty downhill single-track that tested nerve and skill. Then they swept through the trees by the crowded campsite towards the start of another lap or the blessed relief of a changeover.

All too soon the sun was replaced by a full moon (how’s that for organisation!) that shone like a torch during the fifteen hours of darkness. Even with these conditions and the very special lights now used in such events, night riding is not for the faint hearted. The clear sky also brought freezing conditions and mud soon turned to crystallised porridge whilst rocks and roots took on a treacherous icy skin. See All Event Posts